Equality Matters on International Women’s Day

March 8, 2017

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The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier invites constituents of the Gaspé and the Magdalen Islands
to take a stand for gender equality on social media and beyond

Cap-aux-Meules, March 8th, 2017 – The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier invites the constituents of Gaspesie – Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine to join the movement for gender equality in honour of International Women’s Day on March 8.

For MP Lebouthillier, gender equality and engagement of women are of particular importance, especially in the regions. As the first woman to represent the federal riding of Gaspésie – Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, has been a proud defender of women’s rights for many years. She was the former President of Femmes “Entre-Elles” and also a member of the board of directors for Maison Blanche-Morin, where she contributed to the establishment of the institution that helps women and children who are victims of spousal abuse.

Since the start of her mandate as a MP, the Gaspesian continues to exchange with various women’s groups in the region and recognizes the relevance of women. On March 1st, she met the Table de concertation des groupes de femmes de la Gaspésie et des Îles-de-la-Madeleine to discuss the status of women in the region and how important it is for women to be represented in politics.

MP Lebouthillier is calling on all the constituents to get online and tell the world why equality matters to them using the hashtag #EqualityMatters. They can also help to break stereotypes and challenge assumptions by sharing a series of mythbusting infobites on their social media accounts. Additionally, Canadians are encouraged to tag the people in their lives who inspire them to keep working to advance gender equality.

Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day 2017 is EqualityMatters, which highlights the benefits of gender equality for all Canadians by recognizing that the world needs the talents of everyone – women, men, girls, and boys – to reach its full potential. Gender stereotypes and discrimination hold everyone back.

Quotes

“In the Gaspé Peninsula and the Magdalen Islands, gender equality is important every day, not only on International Women’s Day. I am proud of the place that women are taking in our region and I encourage them to continue believing in themselves. Their ideas, their energy and their skills are extremely beneficial for the whole of the community. Our diversity has always been our strength – in 2017 and in the future.”

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, MP for Gaspésie – Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine
and Minister of National Revenue

Quick Facts

March 8 is International Women’s Day — a time to take stock of our progress towards gender equality and to honour the contributions women have made, and continue to make, in Canada and around the world.

In 2017, Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day is Equality Matters.

Canadians can celebrate International Women’s Day and join the movement for gender equality on social media using the hashtag #EqualityMatters. They can challenge assumptions about gender equality with our mythbusters, and they are encouraged to tag the people in their lives who inspire them to work for gender equality.